Bianchi extends backing of Savio’s Androni-CIPI team

Team had very successful Giro d’Italia, prompting legendary brand to renew

Famous Italian frame manufacturer Bianchi has extended its equipment sponsorship deal with the Androni-CIPI team until the end of next season, with an option to continue for one more year after that.

The team had a successful Giro d’Italia this year, netting stage wins with Angel Vicioso and Jose Rujano, plus seventh overall with the latter. It was also constantly in the top ten results of stages. Away from the Italian tour, the team took victories in the Settimana Coppi e Bartali, the Giro del Fruili, the Tour de Langkawi, the GP Industria & Artigianato plus others.

Those results plus the feedback it gives the company has led to the new deal. General manager Gianni Savio said that having his riders on such a well known brand is important. “We are really excited we renewed the agreement with Bob Ippolito and his staff. We're proud to display the 'tricolore' shield, as Italian champions, on our jerseys and Bianchi 'Celeste' all over the world,” he said.

“We are proud to be part of the continuing history of the Bianchi brand and champions like Fausto Coppi, Felice Gimondi and Marco Pantani.”

The team is currently working on finalising its lineup for next season, and expects that Rujano will once again be part of the squad. It will target the Giro d’Italia as its big target for 2012.

Bianchi CEO Bob Ippolito is pleased to be part of those plans. “It is incredible to have the opportunity to continue our cooperation with one of the most successful teams in the world,” he said. “We have a common vision. It was a natural consequence to extend the deal for another season and an opportunity to further showcase our new Oltre model with one of the top teams in cycling today.”